Hayden Triggs has today been confirmed as the new Hurricanes Poua head coach for the upcoming Super Rugby Aupiki campaign.
The 43-year-old’s appointment as Poua head coach comes after he served as an assistant coach for the side earlier this year.
“I am humbled and privileged to accept the role as head coach for the Hurricanes Poua,” Triggs said.
“My experience with this team has provided me with a clear direction to develop a well-connected high-performance environment that drives aspiring rugby players to want to become Poua players and add to the legacy of this team.
“To achieve that, my focus will be centred on building a hard-working team that plays with speed and power and finds joy through rugby.
“This is an exciting time for the Poua and the wider Hurricanes club, which I am grateful to be a part of.”
Triggs succeeds outgoing Poua head coach Fusi Feaunati, whose contributions to the side extend as far back as when the team was first established in 2021, when Feaunati was an assistant coach.
“It’s been an honour to be part of the Hurricanes Poua story,” Feaunati said.
“While my time in the role has come to an end, my belief in the players and the programme remains strong. I’ll be cheering them on in what’s next.
“Change is part of sport. What matters most is the legacy we leave behind in people, culture, and effort. I’m proud of the standards we set and the relationships built. I’ll always back this team and what it stands for.
“Coaching the Hurricanes Poua has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I’ve learned a great deal, and I’m proud of what we’ve achieved together. I wish the group and the new leadership all the best moving forward.”
Hurricanes GM Rugby, Tony Philp, added that Feaunati’s efforts as a founding member of the Poua coaching staff cannot be understated, and is optimistic about the future of the Poua following the appointment of Triggs as head coach.
“On behalf of the Hurricanes, I’d like to extend our gratitude to Fusi for what he’s provided the Poua and the connection he’s helped create within the team over the past four years,” Philp said.
“His work has laid a solid foundation for Hayden to work from, and we believe Hayden’s experiences in life and across rugby within New Zealand and abroad will enable the Poua to reach another level.
“We’re excited about what Hayden can offer as he looks to enhance the legacy Fusi leaves behind by building on the connection within the team and delivering performances our people will be proud of.”
Triggs will move into his role as Poua head coach on a full-time basis from early next year, and the 2026 Poua squad will be announced in due course.
Hayden Triggs
Date of Birth: 22 February 1982 (43-years-old)
Place of Birth: Lower Hutt
Iwi: Ngāti Kahungunu
Position: Hurricanes Poua Head Coach
Hurricanes Number: #136
Hurricanes Caps: 1 (Debut vs Stormers, 3 March 2007)
Hurricanes Points: 0
Playing Career: Manawatū (2002-2008), Hurricanes (2007), Māori All Blacks (2007-2015), Highlanders (2008-2010), Otago (2009-2010), Chiefs (2011), Honda Heat (2011-2014), Blues (2014-2015), North Harbour (2014-2015), Leinster (2015-2017)
Coaching Career: Manawatū Assistant Coach (2024-present), Hurricanes Poua Assistant Coach (2025), Hurricanes Poua Head Coach (2025-present)
A former army mechanic who was born in Lower Hutt and raised in Manawatū, Triggs brings a wealth of experience to the Poua head coach role.
Triggs made his professional debut in 2002, when he appeared in the first of his 70 matches for Manawatū – which included international fixtures against Italy in 2002 and the British and Irish Lions in 2005.
What followed was a playing career that saw him turn out for the Hurricanes, Highlanders, Chiefs, and Blues in Super Rugby, as well as Otago and North Harbour at provincial level, and included offshore stints with the Honda Heat in Japan and Leinster in Ireland.
At international level, Triggs – of Ngāti Kahungunu descent – represented the Māori All Blacks on 10 occasions between 2007 and 2015, and featured in the side’s historic 2010 Centenary Series victories over Ireland and England.
Since hanging up his boots in 2017, Triggs has worked as a salesman and became a certified health coach before moving into rugby coaching last year, joining Manawatū Rugby as a coach development facilitator and as an assistant coach for the Turbos in the NPC.
In addition to his work as an assistant coach for both the Poua and Manawatū this year, Triggs was also part of the coaching staff at the recent New Zealand Women’s U20 camp at NZCIS.
